Comparing ButterflyMX vs. UniFi Access Control: Premium Video Intercom Systems with AI, Facial Recognition, and License Plate Reader Capabilities

Modern access control systems blend advanced security with user-friendly features, and two standout solutions are ButterflyMX and UniFi Access Control from Ubiquiti. Both offer premium video intercoms, but they cater to different needs: ButterflyMX focuses on seamless resident-visitor interactions for multifamily properties, while UniFi Access provides a modular, scalable system integrated with Ubiquiti’s ecosystem, ideal for commercial or mixed-use settings. This blog compares their functionalities, including AI, facial recognition, and license plate reader (LPR) capabilities, alongside pricing and recurring fees. For professional installation or system design, contact Mytek Pros at https://www.mytekpros.com to ensure optimal setup.

Key Functionalities: How Do They Stack Up?

Both systems deliver premium video intercoms and advanced access control, but their AI, facial recognition, and LPR features differ significantly in implementation and focus. Below, we explore their core functionalities, emphasizing these advanced capabilities.

ButterflyMX Features

ButterflyMX is a cloud-based smart intercom system designed for apartments, condos, and gated communities, emphasizing minimal wiring and resident convenience. Key features include:

• Premium Video Intercom: Two-way high-definition video and audio calls via smartphone, with recording for security audits.

• Remote Access Control: Unlock doors, gates, or elevators remotely through the mobile app.

• Temporary Access: Issue virtual keys, delivery PINs, or time-limited visitor passes.

• Integrations: Syncs with property management systems (PMS), supports voice controls (e.g., Alexa/Google Assistant), and provides detailed entry logs.

• Ease of Installation: Requires only power, internet, and lock connection—no in-unit hardware.

• AI and Facial Recognition: Limited AI capabilities; ButterflyMX does not natively support facial recognition for access control. It focuses on video-based visitor verification, with AI primarily used for voice control integrations (e.g., Alexa). Recent trends suggest potential future adoption of facial recognition, but it’s not currently a core feature.

• License Plate Reader (LPR): ButterflyMX supports LPR cameras for vehicle access in gated properties, scanning plates with ~99% accuracy in 20 milliseconds. LPR integrates with its access system to grant entry based on registered plates, ideal for parking areas or gated communities. However, LPR systems are noted as expensive and may not integrate as seamlessly with other proptech solutions compared to alternatives like vehicle readers with windshield stickers.

• Additional Features: Manages package rooms and vehicle access for gated properties.

ButterflyMX excels in multifamily settings with high visitor traffic, prioritizing simplicity and video-based access over advanced biometrics.

UniFi Access Control Features

UniFi Access, part of Ubiquiti’s ecosystem, is a PoE-powered, modular system suited for offices, apartments, or mixed-use buildings. Its premium video intercom and AI-driven features make it highly customizable. Key features include:

• Premium Video Intercom: The UniFi Access Intercom features an 8MP (4K) camera with live video and two-way audio, streamable to smartphones or UniFi Access viewers. Integrates with UniFi Protect cameras for comprehensive surveillance.

• Reader and Credential Support: Touchscreen readers (e.g., Reader Pro, Access Ultra) support NFC cards, fobs, PINs, mobile app credentials, QR codes, and biometrics (fingerprint/facial recognition on premium models).

• Hardware Flexibility: PoE hubs manage multiple doors, gates, or elevators; supports electric strikes, magnetic locks, motion sensors, and alarms.

• Management: Local or cloud-based control via the UniFi app; scalable with no licensing fees for core functions.

• AI and Facial Recognition: UniFi Protect’s AI cameras (e.g., AI Turret, AI Pro) and the UniFi Protect AI Key appliance enable facial recognition, automatically analyzing facial features to identify Persons of Interest (POI) across a property. Users can label faces, create custom alerts via the Alarm Manager, and fine-tune recognitions (e.g., merging duplicate profiles). The AI Key enhances facial detection for G4/G5 cameras, even in low-light conditions, making it ideal for secure environments.

• License Plate Reader (LPR): UniFi Access supports LPR through AI cameras (e.g., AI LPR, AI DSLR) paired with the Gate Hub. Plates are detected in designated zones, enabling automatic gate unlocking with ~90% accuracy when vehicles are properly positioned. The AI LPR camera excels at nighttime detection with IR-pass filtering, though it’s specialized for plates and offers limited scene visibility in dark conditions. Real-world tests highlight the AI DSLR for daytime accuracy and the AI LPR for nighttime reliability.

• Additional Features: Supports rescue key switches, retrofit extenders, and QR code access; integrates with UniFi’s networking and camera systems for a unified ecosystem.

UniFi Access is ideal for tech-savvy users needing scalable, AI-enhanced security with robust video and biometric capabilities.

ButterflyMX offers a streamlined, video-centric solution with strong LPR but limited AI and no facial recognition. UniFi Access provides advanced AI, facial recognition, and LPR, integrated with a broader security ecosystem, ideal for complex setups.

Pricing: Upfront Hardware and Installation Costs

Pricing varies based on doors/units and customizations. ButterflyMX bundles hardware with per-unit software, while UniFi’s modular components allow flexible scaling. Installation costs ($500–$2,000 per door) depend on site complexity—quotes are advised. AI and LPR features may require additional hardware.

ButterflyMX Pricing

• Hardware:

  • 8" Video Intercom (Surface Mount): $3,995 (discounted from $4,995)

  • 12" Video Intercom (Surface Mount): $5,995 (discounted from $6,995)

  • Recessed models: Add $500–$1,000

  • LPR Camera: ~$2,000–$5,000 (varies by model; not explicitly priced)

  • Locks: $150–$500 each; elevator controls (custom pricing)

• Basic Setup (one intercom, small building, no LPR): $4,000–$7,000

• Setup with LPR: $6,000–$12,000+ (intercom + LPR camera)

• Installation: DIY-friendly but professional installation recommended for warranty.

UniFi Access Control Pricing

UniFi’s pricing is component-based, with AI and LPR requiring specific cameras or the AI Key. Prices are from the official Ubiquiti store.

• Starter Kits:

  • Door Starter Kit: $289

  • Door Starter Kit Pro: $599

  • Gate Starter Kit: $699

  • Elevator Starter Kit: $999

• Hubs/Controllers:

  • Door Hub Mini: $129

  • Door Hub: $199

  • Gate Hub: $279

  • Enterprise Access Hub: $999

• Readers/Intercoms:

  • Reader (basic): $139

  • Reader Pro (touchscreen): $359

  • Intercom (4K video): $399

  • Access Ultra: $129

• AI/LPR Components:

  • AI LPR Camera: ~$499

  • AI DSLR Camera: ~$599

  • AI Key (facial recognition enhancement): ~$299

• Accessories:

  • NFC Card Pack: $30

  • Keyfob 10-Pack: $99

  • Magnetic Lock: $149

  • Electric Lock: $79

• Basic Setup (one-door starter kit with intercom): $688–$998

• Setup with AI/LPR (intercom + Gate Hub + AI LPR camera): ~$1,376 ($399 + $279 + $499)

• Installation: PoE simplifies wiring but may require networking expertise for AI/LPR setup.

Pricing Comparison Table

UniFi Access is more affordable, especially for AI/LPR setups, while ButterflyMX’s higher costs reflect its integrated video/LPR focus.

Recurring Fees: Ongoing Costs and Subscriptions

Recurring costs differ significantly. ButterflyMX requires subscriptions for cloud services, while UniFi minimizes fees, even for AI and LPR features.

ButterflyMX Recurring Fees

• Annual Software Fee: $30–$42 per apartment unit/year, scaling with units/employees.

• Coverage: Mobile app access, updates, live support, cloud storage for video/LPR data.

• Additional: Maintenance/premium services may add $10–$50/month; LPR may increase costs for cloud storage; warranties require professional installation.

• Estimate (50-unit building with LPR): $1,500–$2,500/year.

UniFi Access Control Recurring Fees

• Standard: $0. Core features, including video intercom, facial recognition, LPR, and local management, are license-free.

• Cloud Mode (UniFi Identity): Basic functions free; advanced multi-site management may incur optional fees, but access control, AI, and LPR remain free.

• Coverage: All updates and support via UniFi app/community; video/LPR storage depends on UniFi Protect (local or cloud, no mandatory fees).

• Estimate (50-unit building with LPR): $0 for core use.

ButterflyMX’s fees support its cloud-reliant model, while UniFi’s no-fee approach suits self-managed properties.

Need an Installer or Designer for Your Access Control System?

Implementing a premium video intercom system with AI, facial recognition, or LPR, like ButterflyMX or UniFi Access Control, requires expert planning and installation to optimize performance. Whether you need system design, installation, or ongoing maintenance, Mytek Pros specializes in tailored security solutions. Contact them at https://www.mytekpros.com to ensure your setup, including advanced AI or LPR features, is seamless and reliable.

Pros, Cons, and Which to Choose?

ButterflyMX Pros: Intuitive interface, robust video intercom with recording, strong LPR for vehicle access, seamless PMS integrations. Cons: Higher upfront/recurring costs; no facial recognition; cloud-dependent.

UniFi Access: Cost-effective, scalable, no subscriptions; premium 4K video intercom, advanced AI with facial recognition and LPR, UniFi ecosystem integration. Cons: Requires technical expertise; LPR accuracy position-dependent.

Choose ButterflyMX or Unifi Access for multifamily properties prioritizing simplicity, visitor management, and reliable LPR without needing facial recognition. Opt for UniFi Access for cost-conscious, scalable setups in commercial or mixed-use environments requiring AI-driven facial recognition, LPR, and integrated security.

Both ButterflyMX and UniFi Access offer premium video intercoms, but their AI, facial recognition, and LPR capabilities cater to different needs. ButterflyMX provides a streamlined, resident-centric solution with strong LPR but lacks facial recognition, while UniFi Access delivers advanced AI, facial recognition, and cost-effective LPR within a flexible ecosystem. For professional installation or system design, contact Mytek Pros at https://www.mytekpros.com to optimize your setup. Request quotes from both vendors to align with your property’s needs.